MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - Democrats are not backing down on their demands for an extension of health care subsidies, according to Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint, as the federal government shutdown enters week three.

Democrats are holding out on their support for a federal spending plan to fund health care subsidies. Vermont officials say millions of dollars for assistance programs like 3Squares Vermont and LIHEAP could be in jeopardy if the shutdown lingers.

That means Vermonters could pay more for things like groceries and gas to heat their homes.

As the blame game continues, Balint says holding the line on health care is the Democrats’ only point of leverage to enact policy. “There may be, I understand, some short-term pain, and I don’t take that lightly, but I’m looking long-t

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